what kind of lawyer practices tenant rights work

What are my legal rights as a tenant?

Your rights as a tenant include the right to "quiet enjoyment," a legal term. This means your landlord cannot evict you without cause or otherwise disturb your right to live in peace and quiet. If other tenants in your building are disturbing you, you should complain to the landlord. Of course, you may not disturb other tenants either.

How to protect your rights as a tenant?

• To find a landlord-tenant attorney, ask people you know for a referral. ...
• You can also get referrals from your state or local bar association. Look in your phone book for a number or search the Internet for a website.
• Schedule a consultation with the lawyer. Many landlord-tenant attorneys provide a half hour consultation for free. ...

What rights do landlords have against tenants?

Tenants rights and obligations

• Non-Statutory Law (Common Law)
• Statuary Law (The Rental Housing Act)
• The Lease Agreement
• Deposit
• Rent
• Utilities
• Early Cancellation of a Lease Agreement
• Maintenance
• Disputes
• Tenant’s Credit Profile

More items...

What are your rights and duties as a tenant?

Tenants and landlords have a legal obligation to each other. The tenant has the responsibility to pay rent on time, maintain his or her living space, and not violate any provisions of the lease agreement. In return, the landlord is obligated to provide adequate housing that meets safety standards under local law.

Where can I file a complaint against my landlord in Texas?

You can submit a complaint online, or you can call their office at (512) 463-2642 or toll-free (Texas only) at (888) 452-4778.

How do I sue my landlord in Texas?

If your claim is for $10,000 or less against your Landlord then you file your lawsuit in Justice Court in the county where you live in the rented property. If your claim is more than $10,000 then you file in a County or District Court.

What is an attorney called?

In the United States, the terms lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably. For this reason, people in and out of the legal field often ask, “is an attorney and a lawyer the same thing?”. In colloquial speech, the specific requirements necessary to be considered a lawyer vs attorney aren't always considered.

What are the rights of tenants in the Philippines?

It's imperative to know tenants' rights in the Philippines including your right against illegal ejectment. Under the law, a tenant may not be ejected from the property on the ground that it has been sold or mortgaged to another person. This prohibition is absolute whether the lease or mortgage is registered or not.

Can I sue my landlord for emotional distress in Texas?

Texas does recognize intentional infliction of emotional distress claims, but those claims generally apply in cases such as nursing home abuse, assaults, or threats of violence. Negligent infliction of emotional distress arises from an accident or incident caused by negligence, errors, or mistakes.

Can I sue my landlord for emotional distress?

Can I sue my landlord for pain and suffering? As part of a personal injury claim, you could be compensated for any pain or suffering you were caused to experience as a result of your landlord's failings. This includes physical and psychiatric harm, as well as financial losses.

What is the difference between lawyer attorney and advocate?

An advocate is a specialist attorney who represents clients in a court of law. Unlike an attorney an advocate does not deal directly with the client – the attorney will refer the client to an advocate when the situation requires it. Advocates can also appear in the higher courts on behalf of a client.

What's the difference between lawyer and advocate?

A lawyer is a general term used to describe a legal professional who has attended law school and obtained a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree. An advocate is a specialist in law and can represent clients in court.

What are the four responsibilities of lawyers?

It describes the sources and broad definitions of lawyers' four responsibilities: duties to clients and stakeholders; duties to the legal system; duties to one's own institution; and duties to the broader society.

Where can I file a complaint against a landlord in the Philippines?

You can file a complaint with the DTI through email or in person. The DTI will then issue a notice of violation to the landlord and require a written reply. Once the violation is confirmed, an appropriate criminal case will be filed with the Department of Justice against the erring landlord.

What are the 5 most common lease violations?

Rental lease agreement violations are not uncommon....Here are the most common violations and how you should handle them.Long-Term Guests. ... Unauthorized Pets. ... Unpaid Rent. ... Property Damages. ... Commercial Use of Property or Unit.

What are the rights of tenant under this act?

Rights as a tenant He is entitled to quiet and exclusive enjoyment of your home. He has the right to contact the landlord or their agent at any reasonable times. His landlord is only allowed to enter his home with your permission. He is entitled to a certain amount of notice of the termination of the tenancy.

Your Landlord Is Evicting You

If your landlord serves you with a termination notice that you intend to fight, hiring a lawyer can increase your chance of success. Choose a lawye...

Your Landlord Is Evicting You Without Proper Court Procedures

Landlords must follow eviction procedures set forth by state and local law. If your landlord tries to evict you by taking matters into his own hand...

Your Landlord Discriminates Against You

If you believe your landlord is discriminating against you, you may need a lawyer to stop the illegal actions and help you recover damages for any...

Your Landlord Won't Make Necessary Repairs

If your landlord isn't fulfilling important obligations under your lease and the law, it can lead to major problems. For example, think of the land...

Your Landlord Isn't Fulfilling His Promises

Sometimes, landlords make promises to encourage hesitant applicants to rent from them. For example, if an applicant is concerned about the neighbor...

You've been Injured Or Made Ill

Accidents can happen, even at a well-run rental property. However, if an accident is the result of the landlord's carelessness, you may have a lega...

Your Property Has been Damaged

Sometimes, a landlord's failure to maintain the rental property causes damage to your personal property. For example, a landlord's faulty wiring re...

How to Get A Lawyer's Help

If you are in need of a lawyer, choose one with expertise in landlord-tenant matters. For help in getting a lawyer, read the article "How to Find a...

How Federal Law Protects Tenants

If you have a landlord-tenant issue, most of the laws governing your legal issue will likely be state laws. This is because property rights are usually governed by state law. However, there are some important federal laws that protect renters, including the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Tenant Rights Lawyers

If you have a legal issue involving a landlord, you should seek the legal advice of a tenant lawyer. A tenant lawyer will have experience with all the laws mentioned in this article as they apply in your state and city.

Fee Arrangements

Attorney fees can be daunting, but you should be aware that some attorneys will take cases that involve a potentially substantial payout on a contingency fee basis. This is the usual way of handling personal injury and discrimination cases, although it is not common in eviction cases.

When the Landlord Pays

Your lease may have a provision that awards attorney fees if you win in a dispute over the lease. These provisions usually work both ways, meaning that whoever loses pays both sides’ attorney fees.

Disputes with Your Lawyer

If you are concerned about your lawyer’s fees, accessibility, or competence, you should address the situation head-on as soon as possible. If it is not cleared up to your satisfaction, you should not hesitate to change lawyers.

What is a tenant lawyer?

On the other hand, a landlord / tenant lawyer also helps landlords who have tenants breaking rules, such as moving out three months early or refusing to pay rent. Tenant eviction laws are very specific, with different rules in each city.

What can a landlord/tenant lawyer do?

A landlord/tenant lawyer can help you win an eviction lawsuit, steer clear of liability, and collect or return a security deposit. Whether you are a landlord drawing up a lease or a renter trying to get back your security deposit, an attorney can assist in cases of all types, especially those involving illegal discrimination, property damage, ...

Why hire a landlord attorney?

Because the apartment you rent is your own personal space, the law places many limits on landlords' activities. For example, if a landlord tries to make you move without giving you enough notice, ...

What does a tenant attorney do?

A tenant attorney will help resolve any dispute between you and your landlord by interpreting the lease agreement and either representing you in a lawsuit or advising you on your next steps. If your tenant attorney is only reviewing your lease, you can expect to feel comfortable that the agreement between you and your landlord is legally binding ...

Is Rocket Lawyer a lawyer?

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.

Do tenant attorneys charge by the hour?

Many tenant attorneys charge by the hour, but some also use flat rate services for simple matters such as lease reviews. Rates will vary depending on where you live and what you need your attorney for. Make sure to negotiate a rate before you decide to hire your attorney.

Can a landlord sue you for a security deposit?

Your landlord is suing you. Some security deposit disputes can be handled on your own in small claims court, but if you're confused about the process, you may want to consult with a tenant attorney to help guide you through the steps.

Lawyer vs. attorney - what is the difference?

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between lawyers and attorneys. Although both have a law degree, lawyers and attorneys don’t do the same jobs.

What types of lawyers are there?

There are plenty of job opportunities for lawyers, but after finishing law school, it can be hard to decide what type of law practice you want to pursue. There are numerous career paths that you can choose based on your plans, ambitions, and perhaps most importantly, your interests.

26 Different types of lawyers

Business lawyers or corporate lawyers ensure that all operations of an individual company are conducted within the legal framework of local, state, and federal laws. A business lawyer is involved in everything from liability and intellectual property disputes to mergers and revising all sorts of legal documentation.

What can a lawyer do to help a landlord?

A lawyer experienced in handling discrimination cases can help determine if your landlord’s actions were illegal and if you have a credible case against your landlord. In addition to the FHA, state and local housing laws prohibit various types of discrimination against tenants—and are often stricter than federal laws.

What is the best way to protect your rights as a landlord?

1. You’re Experiencing Discrimination. Under the federal Fair Housing Acts (FHA), it’s illegal for landlords to discriminate against both potential and current tenants.

What happens if you lose a lawsuit against your landlord?

On the flipside, if you lose a lawsuit against your landlord, you might be on the hook for fees and costs. Watch out for "one way" fees clauses (where the landlord doesn't have to pay your fees and costs if you win, but you have to pay the landlord's if you lose).

What happens if your landlord doesn't fix your roof?

For example, if your landlord doesn’t fix a leaky roof before a forecasted rain storm, your furniture and other property might be damaged.

What to do if landlord evicts you without notice?

If your landlord has tried to evict you without following the proper procedures, such as not giving enough notice or improper service, a lawyer can help you figure out the technical violations and how those can be used to dismiss an eviction suit.

What is a notice to pay rent?

For example, a notice to pay rent or quit (given when a tenant fails to pay rent) usually must state how much the tenant owes and give a firm deadline by which the tenant must move out or pay rent. Landlords must serve termination notices as mandated by state law—typically hand delivery or delivery by certified mail.

What to do if landlord discriminates against you?

If your landlord does take discriminatory actions against you, a lawyer can help stop the discriminatory behavior and help you recover damages. Proving that your landlord discriminated against you can be difficult, especially when it’s not obvious.